Blue Ribbon has been marketing high-quality, large- profile fresh potatoes

According to Mr. Darrington, Railex service has helped move some product into the eastern United States, opening a new marketing zone.

"It’s a quick train," Mr. Darrington said. "It’s out [from Washington] on Thursdays and in [New York] on Tuesdays." A distinct advantage when compared to trucking is that product can actually be delivered to customers faster when weather is bad, he stated.

This season, Blue Ribbon has been marketing high-quality, large- profile fresh potatoes. Yields were good this season, he said, and marketing of the current crop will conclude next month.Potato movement is split evenly between domestic and export. "We’ve got pretty good Canadian business," Mr. Darrington stated. Exports also move into the Pacific Rim. The majority of product is sold to wholesalers and foodservice.Blue Ribbon Produce has been mechanizing its operation to deal with labor issues. Mr. Darrington said that automated bailers and palletizers have been added to facilitate production.